Freedom of Information
Access to Information
We are a transparent and open organisation and we publish a great deal of information about what we do on this website which you can access by using the search facility clearly marked on our home page. However, there may be other issues about which you would like further information and in this part of our website we explain how you can get such information.
Freedom of Information Act 2000
Publication Scheme
In order to comply with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 public sector organisations such as ours have to routinely publish information whenever possible.
The Information Commissioner, who is responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000, has drawn up what is called a Model Publication Scheme for all public sector organisations which we have decided to adopt and formally commit to. The Commissioner has also published a ‘Definition Document' which sets out in some detail what his minimum expectations are as far as we are concerned.
We are reviewing the information we routinely put into the public domain to ensure we are compliant with the Definition document. This document ‘Guide to Information’ will be published early in 2009.
Most of the information we make routinely available can be accessed through our website by using the search facility. Such information is continually updated. If you cannot find information through the search engine and we have indicated that the information is routinely available please contact
foi@ballymoney.gov.uk or telephone 028 2766 0243 or 028 2766 0244 and ask for the information to be provided to you.
Accessing information which is not included in the Publication Scheme.
As an open and transparent organisation we are committed to routinely publishing as much information as possible; however if you want information which is not on our website you may ask us for it in accordance with further provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and of the Environmental Information Regulations 2005. Requests for such information should be sent to Head of Corporate & Development Services, Ballymoney Borough Council, Riada House, 14 Charles Street, Ballymoney BT53 6DZ or email foi@ballymoney.gov.uk
By law we have to deal with such requests within 20 working days. If you make a request and are not satisfied with the way in which we deal with it you may ask us to review any decision we make. If you wish us to undertake such a review you should write to The Chief Executive, Ballymoney Borough Council, 14 Charles Street, Ballymoney BT53 6DZ.
Any review will normally be under the control and direction of a senior member of staff who had no involvement in the original decision or process
If you remain dissatisfied at the conclusion of any review you may complain to the Information Commissioner whose address is
The Information Commissioner’s Office – Northern Ireland
51 Adelaide Street
Belfast
BT2 8FE
Telephone: 028 9026 9380
Fax: 028 9026 9388
Email: ni@ico.gsi.gov.uk
Fees and Charges
The Freedom of Information Act and the associated Fees Regulations stipulate that we cannot levy a fee for information unless there is a statutory basis for doing so or the amount of time taken to locate the information exceeds 18 hours. However we are allowed to charge for disbursements related to the provision of information and any reformatting requested by the applicant provided we ensure that applicants are aware of any charges which may be made.
No charges will be made for any information accessed via our website. For any information which is provided in hard copy and where there is no statutory provision for charges our rates for photocopying, reformatting and postage will be as follows:
Photocopying charges
A4 – 10p per sheet
A3 – 20p per sheet
If you want any further information about the provision of information or have any difficulty accessing information provided on our website please contact Head of Corporate & Development Services (028) 2766 0244 or email foi@ballymoney.gov.uk.
Subject Access Requests under the Data Protection Act 1998
If you want to ask us for information which we may hold about you personally then this will be dealt with under the Data Protection Act 1998. This would include information relating to anything which is limited to you as a person whether as employee or partner of any kind.
If you wish to make a Subject Access Request you should write to Head of Corporate & Development Services at Ballymoney Borough Council, Riada House, 14 Charles Street, Ballymoney BT53 6DZ, specifying the kind of information you wish to be made available to you and enclosing proof of identity – a formal document or bill with your name and address on it or your driving licence or passport.
Under the Data Protection Act 1998 we have 40 working days to provide the information you ask for. If you are unhappy with any aspect of the way in which we deal with your Subject Access Request you should complain to the Chief Executive, Ballymoney Borough Council, 14 Charles Street, Ballymoney BT53 6DZ.
Or to the Information Commissioner at
The Information Commissioner’s Office – Northern Ireland
51 Adelaide Street
Belfast
BT2 8FE
Telephone: 028 9026 9380
Fax: 028 9026 9388
Email: ni@ico.gsi.gov.uk
Or, if you feel we have failed to disclose information without good reason you may apply to a Court for disclosure.
If you want any further information about the provision of information or have any difficulty accessing information provided on our website please contact foi@ballymoney.gov.uk or contact Corporate Project Officer Tel. 028 2766 0243.